[rsalway]

If not what do I do to clean it up?

 

[mikes69mach1]

Yes you can. I did mine and it looks great.

 

[rsalway]

Did you use any special kind of media?

 

[mikes69mach1]

Nope just some sand i had sitting around, but a lot of guys bead blast them. Sand worked fine for me.

 

[red1970mustang]

Not sure what media was in the blasters I've used. I've done mine twice. The first time I clear coated it. After a couple of years I hit it again to get the stained clear coat off. Mask gasket surfaces and plug holes.

 

[BornInAFord]

You can use sand, but have to be VERY careful not to overdo it as sand will remove material. Glass beads or walnut shells are much more forgiving and work well, depending what you are trying to clean up (paint, corrosion or grease/dirt). Clean the intake as well as you can before blasting it and you will be happier with the results.
Daniel

 

[RTM4COM]

did mine with glass beads

 

[musman]

did mine with glass beads

IMO

 

[mystang351]

When your done be very sure to blow off. Be sure you blow out every opening or you will be sorry when the sand or what ever you use for media locks up the rings or some other problem comes up. Been there, no fun.

 

[TJFASTBACK66]

did mine with glass beads

YEP +1

 

[joesgt281]

Play sand, no clearcoat...au natural.

 

[pancho_villa]

Play sand says on the bag "Not for sandblasting"

(The white stuff)

 

[Jim_Williamson]

After having media destroy a fresh engine I am VERY cautious about media blasting an intake. That stuff can get in anywhere. I used paint stripper on my EFI manifold and then wheel cleaner with a coat of clear.

 

[68RCodeConv]

I used #5 sandblasting sand (fine as sugar) on mine. I taped off the ports and carb openings with metal duct tape. You should thoroughly clean the intake BEFORE blasting to get any greasy/oily spots off the inside as sand will stick to them. I use the car wash to clean mine. Afterwards I blow air through it.


On the FE forum a guy had his intake blasted with steet shot. Some of it gathered in a pocket in the intake and got into his motor. Time for a rebuild!

 

[rsalway]

Thanks for all the advise. It sounds like I will be able to do it, but I just need to clean before and after as well as, tape everything up good. Of you that have clear coated them, what did you use and how has it lasted.

 

[joesgt281]

Of you that have clear coated them, what did you use and how has it lasted.

You might be able to search and find an extensive thread on this topic already. My conclusion from it was that more people found problems with it yellowing than not. This being true for both powdercoating and paint.
That's why I've opted to not do it.
Now mind you, I've only cleaned up a little coolant spill on it so far, but it came up well with body-prep oil and grease remover.
I found that brake cleaner didn't do near as good a job.

 

[joesgt281]

Play sand says on the bag "Not for sandblasting"

(The white stuff)

it sure did.
of course, I also ran with scissors as a child so consider the source
turned out great anyway.

 

[rsalway]

Thanks for that info. I think I kind of remember that thread.

 

[AMR66]

I sand blasted my aluminum intake, then washed it
a dozen times with water. Let it dry, primed it
with hi-heat Plasti-Kote, then painted it with
Plasti-Kote Old Ford Blue. That was 5 years ago,
still looks good and very easy to clean.

 

[68RCodeConv]

EVERYTHING I have used (rattle can) to clear coat an intake has yellowed EXCEPT the Diamond Clear stuff that Eastwood makes.

Or you could clear powder coat it. That is supposed to work pretty well.